marathon running

Each race we host along the Huntington Beach bike trail teaches me something about running, and the HB Ocean Run on May 17th did once again!

If you looked at the crowd of 50 people standing on the beach that day, you would have thought maybe they were meeting for a beach clean up, or possibly a group book club, or maybe some sort of AA support group (they actually host these meetings down by Beach Blvd), but you probably wouldn’t have thought they were all athletes about to run their hearts out for a 5k, 10k 15k, or a half-marathon! That’s because they didn’t look like societies “stero-typical” runner.

Before getting into the racing scene (running in local non-profit 5k fundraiser, joining the craziness at big Rock ‘n Roll Marathons and then eventually hosting my own races) I would have told someone a typical runner is a single 22 year old that’s super tall, a model of fitness, geared up in Nike DriFIT, and prances like a gazelle when running (and their hair flowing all the same). But I would have been totally wrong!

If you look at national survey data by runningusa.org they found the typical female runner is married of the age 39, 5’5”, 140 lb and motivated to run in order to stay in shape. The typical male runner is married of the age 44, 5’10”, 174 lb and also motivated to run in order to stay in shape. Although their favorite running apparel is Nike, I had everything else wrong!

I’m glad my stereotypical view of a runner was wrong! I see every age, race, size, and shape at our races and I love it, because running is for everyone! The fastest 5k runner at the Ocean Run was a 66 year old man. The second fastest half marathon runner was a 45 year old woman. And the 10k neck and neck race to the finish was between two men well above their 20’s :)

All you need to do to be a runner is to strap on a pair of shoes and hit the pavement. It doesn’t matter the distance you go or the speed you travel as long as you are out there giving it your all and enjoying every minute. Besides, with Vitalytes greatest Electrolyte Drink you will feel just like that gazelle runner!

Decision is made!My first official race back to competitive running will be the Hollywood Half Marathon on April the 7th.Yep at 6am I will tow the line with thousands of other runners to run with the stars in the city of cinematic legend.I am so excited!I have waited seven years to be able to make my return to racing and with the help of Vitalyte, the official drink sponsor of the race, I have been able to train and get my body healthy.The next nine months is going to be fun, hectic and be filled with many busy days as I juggle training, working and coaching.

You can follow my progress up to the race and even join me in my training for this inaugural event.I will be posting my workouts and give training tips so feel free to message me with any questions.

Training thus far is going great and I know this time around my racing is going to be much more enjoyable because now running is just a beautiful piece in a wonderful life-it’s not the entire picture.